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A cold, wet
winter can make children and caregivers a little stir crazy. This can lead to more
screen time, which the children will probably be getting more than enough of
outside of the classroom. If you are looking for some simple, no-cost ideas to
engage your students indoors and away from a screen, consider some of the
following activities using recycled materials.

A cardboard box can be
used in many ways to inspire children’s creativity, and they are easy to find,
especially during the holidays. A box can be used as a surface to paint or draw
on or as an easel that paper is attached to. It can also be used as a container
for a sheet of paper as your child rolls a ball dipped in paint onto the paper.
Additionally, a box can be decorated and turned into a castle, car or anything
else your children imagine.

Toilet paper or paper towel tubes are also versatile and can be used
in many ways. They can be dipped in paint to make circular prints. Several
tubes can be taped together to make a tunnel for cars, balls or marbles to
extend children's play. They can also be used to make musical instruments like
maracas. Check out Casa Maria’s blogspot
for this fun art activity with a cardboard box and paper towel tube!

Cereal
boxes make a
great surface to glue items on. Just cut the box out and provide your child
with a collage of items to glue like strips of construction paper, fabric,
newspaper ads, yarn, tissue paper, greeting cards and other items found in your
drawers. You can also turn the front of the cereal box into a puzzle by cutting
the cover into four or more pieces to put together. While children are putting
the pieces together, you can help them practice learning the name and sound of
the letters they see. See it in action at Munchkinsand Moms.

Children love
to build with blocks, so provide them with some tape or glue and invite them to
build with the items listed above (boxes, toilet paper/paper towel tubes and
cereal boxes), as well as other items you and your families find around the
house. Look at this ball maze made from
recyclable materials at Frugal Fun 4 Boys.

Some
materials used to create with may be considered choking hazards and not
appropriate for children under 3 years old. If items are small enough to fit
inside a toilet paper roll, they are considered a choking hazard and require
close supervision.

What are some
of your favorite games and activities you do with recycled materials?